Overview
I've written reader reports for literary agencies such as TriadaUS, The Bent Agency, and Jill Corcoran Literary Agency. I currently read and give notes on projects for CAKE Literary, all of which go on to be published by Big 5 publishers and many of which go on to become NYT bestsellers. I was a YA mentor in Author Mentor Match, where my mentees have gone on to be published by Big 5 publishers. I've also mentored most recently in Pitch Wars. Additionally, I've cultivated experience giving developmental and line notes on authors who have gone on to have their work published by HarperTeen, Simon Pulse, SSFYR, and many more. I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School with an emphasis in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
I write across genre and age category, but my expertise lies in YA Contemporary, YA Mystery/Thriller, and Adult Contemporary Romance. However, I do have experience working in SFF and am open to all genres of YA and MG as well as Romance and Mystery/Thriller in the Adult space. I've developed a fusion craft and market based approach to editing through a combination of creative writing workshops and working with published writers to polish their manuscripts at every stage of the writing journey -- for querying, for their agents, and for their editors. Because of my background in screenwriting, I'm especially strong with plotting, pacing, and arcs, but also want to make sure every manuscript has vivid and memorable characters that stay in readers' minds long after the book is done. I tend to focus on offering a ton of different solutions to any given issue with a manuscript and I love adding little reactions and enthusiasm for any notes. I also will vehemently ship any shippable characters.
I'd love to work with you! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Services
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- 2016 Pitch Wars YA Mentee
- 2018 Author Mentor Match Mentee
- CBS Writers Mentoring Program Semifinalist - 2018
Certifications
- BA in English and Film from USC
- MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School
- Author Mentor Match Mentor - 2019
- Pitch Wars Mentor - 2020
Work experience
CAKE Literary
- Reads through and maintains detailed spreadsheets on slush reading for book packaging company
- Reads and writes coverage for existing library of books on the slate for TV/Film purposes
- Administrative tasks such as filing, managing electronic signatures, mailing and scheduling
- Offers editorial feedback on manuscripts that have gone on to be published by Big 5 publishers, many becoming bestselling titles
141 Entertainment
- Maintained detailed spreadsheets for projects on development slate
- Scouted novels for potential book-to-film adaptations
- Provided development notes and took notes during meetings with writers for development slate
TriadaUS Agency
- read reader reports on client manuscripts and full manuscripts up for consideration for senior agent
Self-employed
- provided developmental and line edits to YA and Adult novels published by Big 5 publishers
- offered brainstorming sessions with writers to help with pre-writing, including outlines, character development, working out plot holes, etc
- provided critique on pitch materials, including queries and synopses that later went on to help clients get major agents for representation
- provided guidance and critique for novel writers hoping to adapt their work into screenplay format as well as provide notes on the adapted screenplays
The Bent Agency
- read and wrote reader reports on manuscripts being considered for representation for senior agent
Portfolio
Carlyn has 3 reviews
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Eduardo R.
Dec, 2021
bethaney L.
Oct, 2021
Daniel H.
Sep, 2021
